Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a localised bacterial infection that forms a pocket of pus, either at the tip of a tooth root (periapical abscess) or in the gum tissue beside a tooth (periodontal abscess). Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or beyond, so acting quickly matters.
Key points
- A pocket of pus forms either at a tooth root or in the gum beside it, and can spread if untreated.
- Draining the abscess and fixing the tooth causing it is the main solution, with antibiotics reserved for spreading infection.
- Clindamycin is a common choice when penicillin-based drugs will not do, since it penetrates bone and tooth tissue effectively.
Antibiotics in dental abscess care
Dental treatment, drainage and addressing the underlying tooth problem, is the primary fix. Antibiotics are added when infection shows signs of spreading or the immune system needs support. Clindamycin is commonly used, especially where penicillin-type options are not suitable, as it reaches bone and dental tissue well. It sits within the broader antibiotics category.
Swelling that extends to the eye, neck, or floor of the mouth, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or fever above 39 C are signs the infection may be spreading, seek urgent dental or emergency care.